10 Genius Travel Hacks Everyone Should Know

Whether you're jetting off for a weekend break or prepping for a long-haul adventure, a few clever travel hacks can make all the difference. From saving space in your suitcase to breezing through the airport, these tried-and-tested tips are designed to help you travel smarter—not harder.

Here are 10 travel hacks you’ll actually want to use on your next trip:

1. Get a Travel Money Card Before You Go

One of the best travel hacks for budgeting abroad is using a travel money card. These preloaded cards typically offer better exchange rates than airports and reduce the risk of carrying large amounts of cash. You can top them up via an app, and most are protected if lost or stolen. Just make sure you order yours well in advance of your trip to allow time for the card to be shipped to you.

2. Time Your Currency Exchange Right

If you're not using a travel money card, then you’ll want to avoid changing currency at the airport. Their rates are usually the worst. Instead, exchange money mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer the best rates), or use a reliable online service and collect your cash in advance.

3. Master the Art of the Travel Hack Backpack

Your carry-on bag is prime real estate. Think of it as your travel hack backpack—pack essentials like a portable charger, travel documents, toiletries under 100ml, and a change of clothes. That way, if your checked luggage is delayed, you’re not left completely stranded.

Bonus: keeping your liquids and electronics within reach speeds up airport security checks.

Packing light is also key as many travellers only pack a carry on to take with them on holiday, allowing them to skip baggage claim and get through airports quicker. Whilst only packing hand luggage may seem tricky, writing a packing list can help with this as it’ll ensure you only take the essentials with you.

4. Use Packing Cubes (Seriously)

Looking for packing hacks for travel? Then packing cubes are going to be your new best friends. These handy organisers help you compress clothing, separate clean from dirty items, and keep your bag tidy throughout your trip. Some can even double as laundry bags or pillowcases in a pinch.

5. Roll, Don’t Fold

Whilst many are sceptical about rolling their clothes, this hack genuinely works. Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles—making it one of the simplest packing hacks for travel. For bulkier items, like jackets or jeans, try the bundle wrapping method to minimise creasing.

The bundle method refers to wrapping lots of items together around a smaller core item such as a toiletry bag or box of underwear. Doing this will reduce the creasing on your clothes.

6. Download Offline Maps, Key Apps & Documents

Wi-Fi can be patchy sometimes, especially when you’re abroad. Download offline maps using Google Maps, as well as translation apps and digital copies of your passport, boarding passes, and insurance. It’s a quick and easy travel hack that can be a lifesaver if you lose signal—or your paperwork!

7. Hydrate on Long Flights

When it comes to travel hacks for long flights, staying hydrated is key. Bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it after security to avoid those tiny in-flight cups. Also, think about packing moisturiser and lip balm in your travel hack backpack to combat the dry cabin air. This is more important if you’re planning a long haul flight but even on shorter flights this is a good idea.

8. Wear Your Heaviest Items to Save Luggage Space

If you're pushing your baggage allowance, wear your bulkiest items—like boots or coats—onto the plane. It’s an old-school travel hack, but it works like a charm. You can always stash them in the overhead once you're on board and this way you’ll have far more space in your luggage for whatever else you want to take.

9. Use Email Hacks for Booking Confirmation

Set up a travel label in your inbox and auto-forward all booking confirmations to one folder. Or, even better, use apps like TripIt or Google Trips to automatically sync your itinerary. It’s a great way to stay organised without scrolling through thousands of emails at check-in.

10. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Having Travel Insurance really is one of the best travel hacks out there. Unfortunately, sometimes the unexpected happens such as losing your luggage or flights being delayed. With Travel Insurance in place, you can relax knowing you’re protected against these kinds of things.

Purchase Your Travel Insurance from Voyager Plus 

Voyager Plus offers 4 levels of cover to choose from, Single Trip, Long Stay, and Annual Multi-trip travel insurance options, access to GP on Demand, and includes cover for the following:

• Emergency Medical Expenses – up to £10,000,000
• Cancellation Cover – up to £10,000
• Baggage Cover – up to £3,500
• 100s of activities covered as standard
• And so much more!

Insure Your Trip Today

Or click here for more information on our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance.

Don’t forget – by purchasing your policy with us you’ll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher.

Voyager Plus – here for the things you didn’t plan for.

With just a few clever tweaks, your next trip could be smoother, cheaper, and a lot less stressful. Whether it's investing in a travel hack backpack, using packing hacks for travel, or keeping your essentials close during long flights, these tips will help you travel smarter every time.

*Ts&Cs apply.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.